Rook Lane Arts Projects

Rook Lane Chapel 300

Throughout 2007

Coming in to Frome, Grade 1 listed Rook Lane Chapel, one of the most impressive survivors of Frome’s strongly non-conformist 18th century, never fails to turn heads. Ten years ago this was as much for its breath-taking decay as for its architectural uniqueness. Were it not for a determined local and national campaign the chapel would have disappeared.

In 2007 Rook Lane Arts celebrated the Grade 1 listed chapel’s 300th anniversary and, thanks to support from the Heritage Lottery Fund, dedicated the year to an exploration of the building’s diverse history. Collaborating with Frome on Film and Frome College, the project recorded the memories of the very diverse people who have been involved in this very special building, as worshippers, heritage campaigners, owners and artists. Copies of the Rook Lane Chapel 300 film are available from Frome library and from Rook Lane Arts.

The project also included an exhibition which received 5,000 visitors through the year, and added the final chapter to Hugh Stafford’s book recording the history of Rook Lane Chapel. Rook Lane Chapel – A Short History is available free from Rook Lane Chapel.

Nerys Watts, HLF South West Regional Manager said, ‘Historic buildings tell the story of a town, they make it individual and unique. This project guarantees that local memories and the importance of Rook Lane Chapel to Frome will not be lost from this generation.’

More Information

To find out more about the people and organisations involved in the project, please visit our recommendations online: